Bodywork Session 6 - Day 3: Progress with rear panels and front door woodwork

Session 6 - day 3.

Progress is made today with the removal of CRG163’s rear brightwork and the panel around the original rear number plate.

Once the rear panel is removed the hole and large dent caused from some kind impact at some point int he vehicle’s life is further inspected.  The hole and dent is knocked out from the rear, however it is felt that this could be further remedied with filler, is this really a sustainable solution?  Sion and I agree that this is not the best course of action and decide upon the option of a new panel.  Work is quickly put in place to move forward with this.  To date we have not undertaken any shortcuts with the restoration of CRG163 as we ensure that no stone is left unturned.

During the morning we also have more friends visit.  Llywelyn Griffiths and his Dad drop in to say hello.  Llywelyn has an avid interest in the bus industry and must support and invest in our upcoming younger generation who show an interest as they will be its future.  It was really good to see you both today.

Sion continues to produce replacement woodwork for the vehicle’s front door panel surround.  Sion meticulously produces wooden sections that copies completely the original multi tapering sections perfectly.  Sion has such a talent.

Unfortunately during the course of the day my Dad is taken ill and admitted to Ysbyty Gwynedd.  Whilst I finish earlier than normal due to this emergency, Sion continues to complete all outstanding wooden sections for the vehicle’s front door section in preparation for fitting once the fabricated steel front section is returned.

We wish my Dad a speedy and positive recovery whilst at Ysbyty Gwynedd.

We begin to remove CRG163’s rear brightwork.

Llywelyn Griffiths and his Dad drop in to say hello with CRG163 behind.

CRG163’s rear brightwork now removed.

One of Sion’s wooden masterpieces which replicates completely the original wood and tapering profile. 

Another angle of CRG163’s rear side with brightwork removed.  It is clear that the vehicle has sustained some kind of rear impact at some point during its operational life.  This will mow be rectified.

We begin to remove the rear panel that surrounds CRG163’s rear number plate aperture.

We peer into the space behind the panel.

More deteriorated wood and more is found.

The Crosville name on the rear window of CRG163.  This and the vehicle’s front number plate are the only signs that the vehicle was  once owned and operated by Crosville.

The rear panel around the original number plate aperture is removed and rests against the vehicle’s rear body.

A closer view of the panel and section in which it has been removed from.

Whilst the hole and large dent to the right of the original number plate aperture has been knocked out, we decide that a new panel is really needed to provide a netter more long term solution.